The 48 Laws of Power

Boring! Listening feels like a chore. I can't wait for it to be over! The narrator's voice is deep and almost monotone and almost puts me to sleep instantly. I feel like this is not even a real book, and more like it must have been created by an automated "book bot" because it has no personality. There are too many anecdotal historical examples of leaders of ancient civilizations being deceitful to achieve their goals, but barely any analysis or commentary on the part of the author. I'm glad I got this book for free with my Google credits. I don't mind that it teaches people to be lying devious disrespectful creatures. That's what I expected. But I thought that the writing would be somewhat interesting. It fails at that. I mean, it's pretty obvious that 1,000 year ago people behaved badly toward one another. Is anyone unaware of that? It was harder to enforce laws back then. It was harder to reveal to the world when someone was a scumbag. WE ALREADY KNOW THAT. All those stories are so boring. Yet the book seems to be outlining examples of all the ways this happened throughout history. This is now news. Anyone with a spec of common sense is aware of how humans were despicable throughout history. If the book were written in a more intelligent way, it would briefly mention how leaders acted diabolical in the past, AND ALSO how their actions can be applied to modern day life. But instead, it seems like this book was just mechanically churned out without any depth of thought.

I was hoping for a list of things or concepts that generates a better society whether it be directly or indirectly. Instead, there is this radical list telling you to manipulate, not only others, but even my own mind in order to make ends meet. Obviously, I believe the book i had in mind is greater than this abomination. Imagine if this power falls into someone who so happens to have too much free time.

"It creates lonly sociopaths who wonder why they have to pay for elder care." Is how my sister described this book and I have to say I agree. In the prologue the author claims everyone is playing these power games, especially anyone who states they aren't, thus creating what seems a logical fallacy. Im now 15% in and thus far most of the advice is to lie, steal, betray your friends, befriend your enemies, and then betray them too. I plan to continue listening, but only because some of the most despicable people I have known employ these tactics so it seems wise to know how to spot them. It is also worth noting that the author seems to define "Power" as the ability to manipulate other people. In summary, this book is excellent for people who want to live a sad lonly life, for people who want to lick the boots of those in leadership roles, and who believe everyone is out to get them and whatever "power" they think this book will grant them.